Also, Mr. Mahamat has assured Zimbabwe’s new administration under President Emmerson Mnangagwa that the AU would back efforts to deepen political reforms and organize free, fair and peaceful elections in the country.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the AUC, the Chairperson visited the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, from 18-20 February 2018 to express the AU “support and solidarity with Zimbabwe at this key juncture of its history and in the run-up to the forthcoming elections.”

Mr. Mahamat met with President Mnangagwa and paid a courtesy call on former President Robert Mugabe.

In his discussions with Zimbabwean authorities, the Chairperson “commended the Government and people of Zimbabwe on the peaceful transition that took place last November, as well as on the dignity and respect that the new administration has afforded former President Mugabe.”

“He pledged the African Union Commission’s commitment, working with other stakeholders, most notably the Southern African Development Community, to provide support to the organization of successful polls, including through the deployment of observers,” said the statement.

Noting the adverse impact of sanctions on the Zimbabwean economy for close to two decades, Mr. Mahamat assured the government of the AU commitment “to help mobilize support for the recovery efforts, including through renewed advocacy efforts for the early lifting of all sanctions imposed on the country.”

The statement also said that the AUC Chairperson looked forward to Zimbabwe’s contribution to the promotion of peace, security and stability on the continent, as a new member of the African Union Peace and Security Council.
-0- PANA AR 22Feb2018